Become an Advanced Ayurvedic Practitioner*
Ayurveda Bhishakgwara (Ayurveda Doctor)*
Four-year Experiential Program
* This program is designed to prepare its graduates to meet NAMA's emerging requirements for the title of "Advanced Practitioner of Ayurveda", which will include passing a national board exam. Alandi is one of the first schools in the United States to develop such a program. While nearing completion, currently (Feb. 2013) the requirements for this title are still being finalized at the national level; they are expected to be in place by 2016. Alandi's Gurukula Program is expecting its four-year graduates to be among the first "Advanced Practitioners of Ayurveda" formally qualified in the United States. Individual state law will determine what title you can legally use, as well as any restrictions on scope of practice.
- General Program Information
- Admissions & Tuition
- Pre/Co-Requisites
- Textbooks and Materials
- Orientation and Weekend Workshops
- Curriculum at a Glance
- Download Curriculum PDF (Advanced Ayurvedic Practitioner)
- Download Application Packet (Post Graduate)
- Course Descriptions
General Program Information
The program is limited to 10 full time students per year. Class sizes are small, with mixed levels to maximize discussion, individual attention, and to increase learning potential. This is an intensive higher education program; come prepared to study, work hard, and learn a lot of great information. Students spend 16 hours in classes (8 hours on Wednesdays and Fridays) and 8 hours in clinic per week (on Tuesday OR Thursday). Students should expect to do 1-3 hours per class per week outside of school on assignments, homework or studying.
Note – individual courses may be audited on a continuing education basis for interested students – please contact the Dean for more information – dean@alandiashram.org.
HOW IS THE CURRICULUM ORGANIZED?
The academic year is divided into two 15-week semesters, with typical academic breaks and holidays observed. Students participate in mixed level classes for each 2-year cycle of the program, organized into Year A and Year B (see the explanation of the A/B structure below).
Students attend classes on Wednesdays and Fridays from 9:00 am – 5:00 pm, and participate on one clinic day per week (either Tuesday or Thursday, depending on which day is assigned) from 8:35 am – 5:30 pm.
The program also includes a class on Ayurvedic Cuisine held during lunch on Wednesday and Friday – this is a required class that involves lunch with unique recipes each day over a 2 year cycle, a recipe manual, and teaching points about the health benefits of the foods used. (Note – students in the 4-year program, can opt to repeat the lunch class durin the last 2 years).
In addition to the weekly classes, there are 4 required weekend workshops that occur during the first year of studies. Please check the academic calendar to see when these are scheduled.
HOW DOES YEAR A & B WORK?|
The full curriculum for each 2-year cycle of the program (First/second year = practitioner program. Third/fourth year = Ayurvedic Bhishakgwara program) are organized into Year A and B, with classes alternating each year. Both levels of students in a 2 year program are combined in all of the classes, (except during the Fundamentals of Ayurveda taken only by First year students) – meaning First and Second Year students take classes together, and Third and Forth Year Students take classes together. The combined class setting allows for mixed levels and mentoring. Studies have shown that this structure allows for a deeper learning experience.
Year A is an academic year beginning with an even numbered year, and Year B is an academic year beginning with an odd numbered year. Depending on which year you enter the program, you will start with the classes that are being taught that year (see the schedule below).
Recommended Pre/Co-Requisites
- Biology - College level or equivalent
- Anatomy and Physiology - College level or equivalent
While not currently required by NAMA, these subjects are integral for a health practitioner. Therefore, if you do not have a background in these subjects before you begin school. We strongly recommend studying these subjects either before or while attending the program.
These courses can be taken for credit either online or at a local university/community college - or alternatively through a free online course or recordings, or auditing a college.
* Note - you will need to have an understanding of human anatomy for the advanced portion of the program (the 3rd and 4th year).
Textbooks and Materials
There are several required and recommended texts for the program listed below. One copy of each book is available in our school library for use while on the property. Please refer to the course descriptions of what is offered the year you will begin your studies (year A or B) to determine which books you will need to buy first. If you have questions or concerns about the book list please contact the Dean at dean@alandiashram.org
Please note: Additional costs may be required for certain classes (ex. Copy packets or materials fees) – check course descriptions to see what courses incur these fees. Specific copy packet fees will be given at or prior to the start of a course, and are due upon receipt of the packet.
Required Books
Additional may books may be added to the curriculum
- Copy Packets – please check course descriptions for which classes require packets
- The Textbook of Ayurveda: Fundamental Principles, Volume One - Vasant Lad
- The Textbook of Ayurveda: A Complete Guide to Clinical Assessment, Volume Two - Vasant Lad
- Secrets of the Pulse - Vasant Lad
- Loving-Kindness: The Revolutionary Art of Happiness - Sharon Salzberg
- Pilgrimage to the Mother - Alakananda Ma Devi
- The Rainbow Bridge - Alakananda Ma Devi
- The Upanishads Penguin Classics - tr. Valerie Roebuck
- Seven Systems of Philosophy - Ramanujan Tigunait
- Bhagavad Gita- tr. Eknath Easwaran
- The Experience of Insight - Joseph Goldstein, Shambhala
- Botany in a Day. The Patterns Method of Plant Identification - Thomas Elpel, 2005, 5th ed.
- Clinical Anatomy in Ayurveda – Suresh Chandra & Dinkar Govind Thatte
- Caraka Samhita. 4 vols. Sharma, Priyavrat V., editor-translator. Chowkhamba Sanskrit Series. (Available from Vedic Books or Nataraj Books)
- Astanga Hrdayam of Vagbhata: Text, English Translation, 3 vols. set.by Murthy, K.R. Srikanta. (Available from Vedic Books or Nataraj Books)
- Sushruta Samhita. 3 vols, Chaukambha Orientalia (Available from Vedic Books or Nataraj Books) Please note: the last 3 books listed above – while it is highly recommended to have all 3, due to cost students can choose to share these volumes, or elect to buy them over time (starting with purchasing caraka first).
Required Materials
- A Sphigmometer and pen light are required for clinical internship
Recommended Books
- Dorland's Pocket Medical Dictionary - Dorland
- The Merck Manual of Medical Information, Second Edition: The World's Most Widely Used Medical Reference - Now In Everyday Language by Mark H. Beers
- The Amethyst Heart - Alakananda Ma Devi
- Ayurvedic Cooking for Self-Healing. 2nd ed. - Vasant and Usha Lad
- The Ayurvedic Cookbook – Amadea Morningstar
- Ayurvediya Kriya Sarira - A Text Book of Ayurvediya Physiology - Dr. Yogesh Chandra Mishra
- Marma Points of Ayurveda by Vasant Lad and Anisha Durve
- Mosby's Manual of Diagnostic and Laboratory Tests
Sources for Books from India
Nataraj Books
www.natarajbooks.com
Email: nataraj@erols.com
Phone: (703) 455-4996
Fax: (703) 912-9052
Vedic Books
http://www.vedicbooks.net/
Orientation and Weekend Workshops
ORIENTATION
Fall orientation is the Sunday prior to the first day of class, this is required for all students. There is an additional Clinic orientation on that Monday for all new students. Spring clinic orientation is on the Sunday prior to the first day of class. The detailed schedule for each orientation day is posted on the Academic Calendar.
WEEKEND WORKSHOPS
During the first year of study, there are three required weekend workshops, and a fourth one for first and second year students (offered in the spring of year A). Dates for these classes are posted in the Academic Calendar. Descriptions can be found in the detailed class description section. The weekend workshops are:
INTENSIVES
Currently there is one required intensive for Pancha Karma Therapies. This is scheduled in the summer after Year A. The intensive includes training in basic purva karma and pancha karma techniques such as abhyanga and shiro dhara. There is an optional internship portion for those that wish to be certified in these therapies. Note: Individual state law will determine any additional certifications required to administer these therapies, such as a massage therapy certification). Please read the detailed description of this intensive for more information.
Curriculum at a Glance
Click course title for detailed descriptions.
Class Schedule Year A - Fall (Starts on even numbered years) -
Practitioner Program (1st & 2nd Years)
| Day | Time | First/Second Year |
|---|---|---|
| Wednesday | 9 - 9:50 am | Meditation for Pulse Reading - Alakananda Ma |
| 10 am - 12:45 pm | Nadi Pariksha (Pulse Diagnostics and Therapeutics) - Alakananda Ma | |
| 1 - 2:15 pm | Ayurvedic Diet, Nutrition and Culinary Arts (Lunch) - Alakananda Ma | |
| 2:15 - 5 pm | Case Based Studies: Srotamsi - Alakananda Ma | |
| Tuesday OR Thursday | 8:35 am - 5:30 pm | Clinical Internship |
| Friday | 9 - 9:50 am | Satsang: Upanishads - Alakananda Ma |
| 10 am - 1 pm | Sing the Sutras - Renay Oshop | |
| 1 - 2:15 pm | Ayurvedic Diet, Nutrition and Culinary Arts (Lunch) - Alakananda Ma | |
| 2:15 - 5 pm | 1st Years - Fundamentals of Ayurveda - Kourtney Nelson 2nd Years - Clinical Round Table - Alakananda Ma |
Class Schedule Year A - Spring (Starts on odd numbered years) -
Practitioner Program (1st & 2nd Years)
| Day | Time | First/Second Year | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wednesday | 9 - 9:50 am | Meditation for Pulse Reading - Alakananda Ma | |
| 10 am - 12:45 pm | Nadi Pariksha (Pulse Diagnostics and Therapeutics) - Alakananda Ma | ||
| 1 - 2:15 pm | Ayurvedic Diet, Nutrition and Culinary Arts (Lunch) - Alakananda Ma | ||
| 2:15 - 5 pm | Case Based Studies: Srotamsi - Alakananda Ma | ||
| Tuesday OR Thursday | 8:35 am - 5:30 pm | Clinical Internship | |
| Friday | 9 - 9:50 am | Satsang: Bhagavad Gita - Alakananda Ma | |
| 10 am - 1 pm | Marmani (first 5 weeks of the semester) - Annalise Ozols | ||
| Basic Botany (last 10 weeks of the semester) - Jane Bunin | |||
| 1 - 2:15 pm | Ayurvedic Diet, Nutrition and Culinary Arts (Lunch) - Alakananda Ma | ||
| 2:15 - 5 pm | Clinical Round Table - Alakananda Ma | ||
Class Schedule Year B - Fall (Starts on odd numbered years)
Practitioner Program (1st & 2nd Years)
| Day | Time | First/Second Year |
|---|---|---|
| Wednesday | 9 - 9:50 am | Meditation: Developing Compassion & Lovingkindness and Nonviolent Communication - Alakananda Ma |
| 10 am - 12:45 pm | Materia Medica (Herbology) - Alakananda Ma | |
| 1 - 2:15 pm | Ayurvedic Diet, Nutrition and Culinary Arts (Lunch) - Alakananda Ma | |
| 2:15 - 5 pm | Case Based Studies: Srotamsi - Alakananda Ma | |
| Tuesday OR Thursday | 8:35 am - 5:30 pm | Clinical Internship |
| Friday | 9 - 9:50 am | Satsang: Ethics - Alakananda Ma |
| 10 am - 1 pm | History of Ayurveda & Sutras - Dr. Bharat Vaidya | |
| 1 - 2:15 pm | Ayurvedic Diet, Nutrition and Culinary Arts (Lunch) - Alakananda Ma | |
| 2:15 - 5 pm | 1st Years - Fundamentals of Ayurveda - Kourtney Nelson 2nd Years - Clinical Round Table - Alakananda Ma |
Year B - Spring (Starts on even numbered years)
Practitioner Program (1st & 2nd Years)
| Day | Time | First/Second Year |
|---|---|---|
| Wednesday | 9 - 9:50 am | Meditation: Developing Compassion & Lovingkindness - Alakananda Ma |
| 10 am - 12:45 pm | Ashtavidha Pariksha (Diagnostic Skills) - Alakananda Ma | |
| 1 - 2:15 pm | Ayurvedic Diet, Nutrition and Culinary Arts (Lunch) - Alakananda Ma | |
| 2:15 - 5 pm | Case Based Studies: Srotamsi - Alakananda Ma | |
| Tuesday OR Thursday | 8:35 am - 5:30 pm | Clinical Internship |
| Friday | 9 - 9:50 am | Satsang - Alakananda Ma |
| 10 am - 1 pm | Ethnopharmacology (first 5 weeks of the semester) - Dr. Bharat Vaidya | |
| Panchakarma Theory (last 10 weeks of the semester) - Heidi Norlund | ||
| 1 - 2:15 pm | Ayurvedic Diet, Nutrition and Culinary Arts (Lunch) - Alakananda Ma | |
| 2:15 - 5 pm | Clinical Round Table - Alakananda Ma |
Weekend Classes
Fall Weekend Classes (1st years Only):
Spring Weekend Class (1st and 2nd years) - Year A only:
Year A - Fall (Starts on even numbered year)
Advanced Program (3rd & 4th Years)
| Day | Time | Third/Fourth Year |
|---|---|---|
| Wednesday | 9 am - 12:45 pm | Madhava Nidan - Dr. Bharat Vaidya |
| 12:45 - 2:15 pm | Ayurvedic Diet, Nutrition and Culinary Arts (Lunch) - Alakananda Ma | |
| 2:15 - 5:00 pm | Principes of Surgery and First Aid | |
| Tuesday OR Thursday | 8:35 am - 5:30 pm | Clinical Internship |
| Friday | 9 - 10 am | Home Room (Group Study) |
| 10 am - 1 pm | Case Based Studies: Stri Vignan Chikitsa - Alakananda Ma | |
| 1 - 2:15 pm | Ayurvedic Diet, Nutrition and Culinary Arts (Lunch) - Alakananda Ma | |
| 2:15 - 5:00 pm | Clinical Round Table - Alakananda Ma | |
Year A - Spring (Starts on odd numbered year)
Advanced Program (3rd & 4th Years)
| Day | Time | Third/Fourth Year | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wednesday | 9 am - 1 pm | Madhava Nidan - Dr. Bharat Vaidya | |
| 1 - 2 pm | Ayurvedic Diet, Nutrition and Culinary Arts (Lunch) - Alakananda Ma | ||
| 2:30 - 5:30 pm | Fertility, Pregnancy, and Postpartum (first 10 weeks of semester) - Terra RafaelGerontology (last 5 weeks of semester) - Dr. Bharat Vaidya | ||
| Tuesday OR Thursday | 8:35 am - 5:30 pm | Clinical Internship | |
| Friday | 9 - 10 am | Home Room (Group Study) | |
| 10 am - 1 pm | Case Based Studies: Bala Chikitsa - Alakananda Ma | ||
| 1 - 2 pm | Ayurvedic Diet, Nutrition and Culinary Arts (Lunch) - Alakananda Ma | ||
| 2:30 - 5:30 pm | Clinical Round Table - Alakananda Ma | ||
Year B - Fall (Starts on odd numbered year)
Advanced Program (3rd & 4th Years)
| Day | Time | Third/Fourth Year | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wednesday | |||
| 10 am - 1 pm | Nighantu (Herbology) - Dr. Bharat Vaidya | ||
| 1 - 2 pm | Ayurvedic Diet, Nutrition and Culinary Arts (Lunch) - Alakananda Ma | ||
| 2:30 - 5:30 pm | Biomedical Tests (first 10 weeks of semester) - Alakananda Ma Shalakya Tantra: Diseases of the Head (ENT) (last 5 weeks of the semester) - Dr. Bharat Vaidya |
||
| Tuesday OR Thursday | 8:35 am - 5:30 pm | Clinical Internship | |
| Friday | 9 - 10 am | Home Room (Group Study) | |
| 10 am - 1 pm | Case Based Studies: Jara Chikitsa - Alakananda Ma | ||
| 1 - 2 pm | Ayurvedic Diet, Nutrition and Culinary Arts (Lunch) - Alakananda Ma | ||
| 2:30 - 5:30 pm | Clinical Round Table - Alakananda Ma | ||
Year B - Spring (Starts on even numbered year)
Advanced Program (3rd & 4th Years)
| Day | Time | Third/Fourth Year | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wednesday | |||
| 10 am - 1 pm | Nighantu (Herbology) - Dr. Bharat Vaidya | ||
| 1 - 2 pm | Ayurvedic Diet, Nutrition and Culinary Arts (Lunch) - Alakananda Ma | ||
| 2:30 - 5:30 pm | Ayurvedic Toxicology, Environmental, and Occupational Health - Kourtney Nelson | ||
| Tuesday OR Thursday | 8:35 am - 5:30 pm | Clinical Internship | |
| Friday | 9 - 10 am | Home Room (Group Study) | |
| 10 am - 1 pm | Case Based Studies: Manas Chikitsa (Psychiatry) - Dr. Alakananda Ma | ||
| 1 - 2 pm | Ayurvedic Diet, Nutrition and Culinary Arts (Lunch) - Alakananda Ma | ||
| 2:30 - 5:30 pm | Clinical Round Table - Alakananda Ma | ||
Contact Us
dean@alandiashram.org
(303) 786-7437
Alandi Ayurveda Gurukula
2457 20th Street
Boulder, CO 80303